" Nepal to be a secular state " Nepali Prime Minister Girija Rasa Koirala said Monday's declaration of the House of Representatives (HoR) will change the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal to a secular state. Koirala was responding to a memorandum submitted by the Indigenous Nationalities Monday morning. Koirala said that the declaration will be a historic one to guarantee the rights of the indigenous and minorities. Hundreds of activists of the indigenous nationalities staged rallies in front of the PM's residence and submitted their demands to Koirala. "We want a secular state", Prithvi Subba Gurung, a leader told reporters, adding that the equal rights and opportunities should be guaranteed for all Nepali people. According to Radio Nepal, newly elected Nepali Speaker of the HoR Subash Nemwang said an important political proclamation that aims to make the parliament all-powerful will be presented at the House. Although he didn't make any specific mention about the proclamation, local media reports said it proposes, among other things, to massively slash the power of the king, turn "His Majesty's Government" into "Nepal Government", bring the army under the purview of the parliament and change it into "Nepal Army " from "Royal Nepalese Army", and impose tax on the income and properties of the king and his family. Source: Xinhua http://english.people.com.cn/200605/15/eng20060515_265821.html